London, 1958. In the jazz clubs of Soho and the coffee bars of Notting Hill the young and the restless - the absolute beginners - are forging a new lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. Moving through this world is MacInnes' young photographer, whose wit and honest views remain definitive of 1950s London and what it means to be a teenager.

Alfie's not really a bad guy. It's just that he has this overwhelming desire for the ladies. You might say that "birds" are irresistible to him, sort of second nature. There's Ruby, Clare, Siddie, Carla, and Annie - but who's counting? Certainly not Alfie.

The houses in Saffron Lane are being filled with artists thanks to the efforts of Nell and Angus. Ginger gets a job running the small cafe/art gallery, taking refuge from her abusive son. When she meets Iain, sparks fly. Will the newcomers manage to build new lives or will selfish people destroy their attempts to find happiness?

One bookshop. Fifty-one rules. Three women who break them all.

One bookshop. Fifty-one rules. Three women who break them all.

After being driven from home by their brutal father, the Willett sisters find themselves facing greater heartache in the wider world. Nell, the middle daughter, has left home to be with her lover, Cliff, fearing what reprisals might come from marrying against her father's wishes. The couple head for Lancashire, but Nell's happiness is short-lived.

1901, Wiltshire. Young Kathleen Keller is being forced into marriage with a man she despises by her cruel father. In an act of desperation, she runs away in a bid for a safer life. But when tragedy strikes, Kathleen is left vulnerable and one man threatens the fragile peace she has made for herself.

Finch offers up to the minute advice for any author on the brink of going it alone, with information on setting yourself up, professional presentation, printing, design, desktop publishing, and marketing and promotion. The book also explores the pros and cons of publishing in other media, from CDs and videos to the World Wide Web.